Junior Gotti seeks to clear his name

New York  John A. "Junior" Gotti insists he's a new man, but a jury will hear prosecutors describe him as a lot like his notorious father, overseeing a violent mob family.

Today, the younger Gotti goes on trial, and jurors will begin hearing testimony from Gambino family turncoats, evidence from electronic surveillance and a recounting of crimes that include the attempted assassination of the crime-fighting founder of the Guardian Angeles.

If convicted of the kidnapping conspiracy, extortion and fraud charges against him, Gotti could face up to 30 years in prison.

Gotti is accused of conspiring to kidnap radio personality Curtis Sliwa, the Guardian Angeles founder known for his red beret who has been a vocal critical of the Gottis. Sliwa was ambushed after hailing a cab in Manhattan in 1992 but survived the shooting.